Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Bridle in hand, a rider steers a horse with a braided rein.

This equestrian figure in cast bronze is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Horses have long been linked with status and leadership in the Sahel, where mounted riders are often associated with chiefs, warriors and courts. Golden mount with a bent head, flared nostrils and a twisted rope reaching forward from the neck. The rider has a tall ribbed cap, a draped body, and holds the cord in front. It is 3 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 3.25 high.

A proper rein, a proper pose and a great hat.